Organizers for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are addressing logistical and financial challenges associated with delivering a "dispersed Games" across Queensland, while also engaging with an ongoing International Olympic Committee (IOC) review of the Olympic sports program. The Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee has received recognition for its commercial and logistical progress, with the Games scheduled to commence in just over six years.
Brisbane 2032 Preparations and Budget Considerations
The Brisbane 2032 Games are planned to utilize multiple locations across Queensland, including Toowoomba, Cairns, Rockhampton, the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, Logan, and Brisbane. Andrew Liveris, president of Brisbane 2032, acknowledged the complexities of this geographically dispersed model.
Andrew Liveris noted that the initial bid budget does not fully account for the current financial realities, particularly with nine distinct venue locations each incurring capital and operating costs.
The committee is collaborating with the IOC on a revised budget to incorporate these new locations, smaller athlete villages, and transportation requirements.
A primary objective for Brisbane 2032 is to ensure the Games remain affordable while maintaining the quality of the athlete and fan experience. Liveris indicated that organizers plan to draw lessons from the Milano Cortina Games, which has been described as the most dispersed Winter Olympics in history.
Liveris emphasized the need to understand how to operate a supply chain across geographically spread-out venues and deliver a consistent positive experience across multiple athlete villages.
While seeking insights from Milano Cortina, Liveris also expressed a desire to avoid venue delays, referencing issues faced by Italian organizers, such as the Milano Santagiulia stadium remaining incomplete near the start of the Games. He expressed confidence that Brisbane's venues would be delivered on time, noting that International Federation sign-off on the sports venue plan is on track.
Regarding workforce, Liveris acknowledged labor shortages in Australia as a concern but noted that Queensland is benefiting from labor migration from southern states, which is aiding in workforce availability. The committee plans a significant presence at the Los Angeles 2028 Games for continued preparation.
IOC's "Fit for the Future" Sports Program Review
Separately, IOC President Kirsty Coventry announced a comprehensive review of the Olympic sports program, which will involve what she termed "uncomfortable" discussions regarding several Olympic sports.
Kirsty Coventry's review, part of her "Fit for the Future" program, encompasses over 450 medal events from more than 40 sports federations across both Summer and Winter Games.
The "Fit for the Future" program is structured around four main pillars:
- The Youth Olympic Games
- The Olympic program
- Protecting the female category
- Commercial partnerships and marketing
An Olympic program working group, chaired by Austrian Olympic Committee President Karl Stoss, has been established to analyze the sports program. Its goals include balancing the Games' size, assessing the relevance of sports and disciplines, and integrating new sports. The group will also consider proposals for traditional summer or winter sports to cross over, citing examples such as cross-country running and cyclocross for the Winter Games.
Coventry stated that an honest assessment of what succeeds and fails is necessary and that difficult decisions and conversations are anticipated for the Games' long-term strength.
Brisbane 2032's Engagement with the Review
Brisbane 2032 organizers, led by Andrew Liveris, stated they are currently unaware of which sports will be considered for their Games, a situation Liveris described as beneficial. He views the ongoing review as an opportunity for Brisbane 2032 to potentially add sports.
The IOC has permitted Brisbane organizers to delay naming their proposed additional events, allowing for a combined re-evaluation of both core and new sports. Liveris confirmed that the sports review would not affect Brisbane 2032's existing venue plans. The results of Coventry's comprehensive review are anticipated in late 2026.
The 2028 Los Angeles Games will feature six new or returning sports, including baseball/softball, flag football, T20 cricket, lacrosse (sixes), and squash. These additions have increased the athlete quota from an "ideal" 10,500 to 13,000 for LA 2028. Liveris noted that Los Angeles's additions utilized existing venues and involved reducing disciplines in traditional sports to accommodate the new ones.
The "Fit for the Future" program aims for approximately 10,500 athletes. For Brisbane 2032, the criteria for adding new sports will heavily prioritize using existing venues or selecting "low-footprint sports" that do not require new facilities.
Liveris mentioned that breaking (breakdancing) has applied for inclusion, acknowledging its performance in Paris but not confirming its selection for Brisbane. He clarified that while Brisbane 2032 plays a role in the decision-making process, the IOC ultimately selects the sports.
Kirsty Coventry underscored the importance of the Olympic Games remaining inspiring for young people and reflecting contemporary values, rather than being fixed on past models.